A Quincy Vietnam War veteran described as a “humble man” by loved ones, will be honored in Washington, D.C., for his service, five years after his death.

Richard Thomas Smith, known as “Tom,” was nominated by his granddaughter Amber-Leigh Smith, 20, who knew it would be “the perfect birthday present” for her grandmother Maureen Smith.

“She was hysterical,” Amber said, talking about how her grandmother reacted to the news that her late husband would be among the In Memory Day honorees. “She told me it was the first time she’s had closure.”

Amber sent the necessary documents to have her grandfather considered, including a letter he had written to Maureen while he was in Vietnam after being informed of his first son’s birth.

“He said they found him in the jungle and told him he was a father,” Amber-Leigh Smith said.

In Memory Day will be held in Washington on Friday. One hundred and twenty-one Vietnam veterans who have died since the war as result of their service will be honored.

Amber-Leigh Smith said her grandfather, who died in June of 2008 at the age of 61, had to have multiple joint replacements at a relatively young age. She said doctors believed his health issues were directly attributable to chemicals he was exposed to in Vietnam.

Daughter Erin Smith said he “never regretted joining” the Navy.

“He never even took anything from the VA because he felt as though someone else deserved it more,” she said.

Following the war, Tom Smith was an EMT for Baystate Health Ambulance Services for 15 years.

“He was always looking out for other people no matter what he was doing,” Maureen Smith said.

For Memorial Day this year, the Quincy High School Class of 1966 placed flags in Fort Square to honor class members who served in the military. Though he never graduated, electing to enlist, Tom Smith was among the members honored.

“He chose to serve his country instead,” Amber-Leigh Smith said. “He was a hero, honestly, but so humble.”

Erin Smith said she was not aware of her father’s Bronze Star medal until they found it during the nomination process.

“My dad was a very humble person in the way he lived. He was a role model to all,” Erin Smith said. “His biggest thing was to honor your country and the flag.”

Amber-Leigh and Maureen Smith will leave for Washington on Friday for the In Memory Day ceremony. Amber-Leigh will call out her grandfather’s name during roll call.